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LANAP: Gum Disease Treatment

Excellent Dental Service. Friendly staff, good suggestions to help me maintain my dental health. My teeth are healthy and in the best condition of my life. – Rose

Gum disease is a serious infection of the body and has a serious affect on your overall health. The long held belief that gum disease is a localized infection of the teeth and gums has not withstood the test of time. It may originate in the mouth, but left unchecked, the destruction it can cause is definitely not restricted to just your oral health. Gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, respiratory disease, pancreatic cancer, digestive diseases, and preterm births.

Eighty percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and most don't even know it. Many patients diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease often face an invasive procedure, but an alternative option will change all of this! There is another solution that is more comfortable than traditional gum surgery, costs less than dental implants, and can save your natural teeth.

Laser Periodontal Therapy uses a laser instead of a traditional and often painful surgery to treat the problem. This means no incision or stitches! Our office is one of the first in the area to offer treatment with the Periolase Laser to perform an FDA approved procedure that can actually reverse the harmful effects of gum disease and preserve your natural teeth. Ask about it at your next appointment or schedule a consultation with one of our certified Doctors.

Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure™ (LANAP™) offers precise treatment for bacterial infections in the gums via a less invasive procedure when compared to traditional gum surgery. The LANAP™ can be performed on a wide range of patients, including those with conditions that may complicate the healing process, such as diabetes and hemophilia, as well as people who have dental implants. Overall, the technology offers a faster and more comfortable treatment process and is designed to target infected gums without harming the surrounding tissue.

Real Patient Story:

In addition to delivering a positive user experience for patients, the PerioLase dental laser is backed by a depth of scientific research. A peer-reviewed study published in The International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry demonstrates positive, consistent results in the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease. New connective tissue attachment (collagen) and new root coating (cementum) was achieved in 100 percent of the cases studied in the human histology study using the PerioLase. The study was the fourth largest prospective comparative human histology project in the entire peer-reviewed, periodontal literature and suggests that the best possible type of healing can be obtained with LANAP™ for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease.

The dramatically increased comfort for our patients made the new system attractive to our office. We do encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce further damage to their gums, teeth, and bone.

If left untreated, research has shown a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, osteoporosis, respiratory issues, and pregnancy problems.

Learn more about periodontal disease and its potential harmful effects:

Periolase Laser Frequently Asked Questions:

How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.

Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for the patient’s comfort. This way, we can precisely direct the laser for treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short duration.

How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of small instruments to remove the tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes. Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.

Does this treatment cost more than traditional gum surgery?
Typically, laser treatment is generally no more expensive than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may affect the cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease, and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer financing for this treatment.

Still have more questions or want to view a video animation of the procedure? Check out our LANAP blog post.